Woodward, Okla. — With immense sadness the family is announcing the
passing of Leonard (Hank) Bert Hinderliter, 96 years
old, on October 22, 2011, in Woodward. The family is comforted by knowing
that he was a spiritual man and that he was ready to start his new life with
his Lord Jesus Christ. A celebration of Leonard’s life will be held at the
Quinlan United Methodist Church on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
with Pastor Clark Struebing officiating. Following the service, interment
will be conducted at the Memorial Hill Cemetery north of Waynoka. The family
will receive friends at the Billings Funeral Home in Woodward on Thursday,
October 27, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The son of Francis (Frank) Irving Hinderliter and Mary Catherine Olson,
Leonard was born March 19, 1915 on the family farm east of Waynoka,
Oklahoma. He attended a one room country school in Woods County before going
on to high school in Waynoka and was the first in the family to graduate
High School. It was common for children to work on the family farm and
Leonard was no exception. He also worked at the Waynoka Ice Plant during his
high school years. On May 29, 1938 he married Mary Anna Lee Moore in the
home of Homer and Lois Curtis, Leonard’s sister in Waynoka. They made their
first home living with Leonard’s parents and running that farm for one year.
They then moved west across the Cimarron River to the Jim Hale place. In
1941 they acquired their own property north of Quinlan. Leonard farmed
mostly wheat ground and raised cattle until retirement. Leonard & Anna Lee
recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
A loving husband, father & friend, Leonard enjoyed watching baseball and
playing on country teams during his younger years, playing horseshoes, and
making cedar clocks with Anna Lee to give to friends & family. Leonard was a
member of the Waynoka Coop and the Quinlan School Board. He also drove the
Quinlan School bus for 3 years. Leonard was a long standing member and
supporter of the Quinlan United Methodist Church; he served on the Church
Board and taught adult Sunday School for many years. A generous & giving
man, he received the most enjoyment when he was with his children and
grandchildren, helping neighbors and church family, and traveling with Anna
Lee in their motor home. Special times included Christmas when Leonard would
cut Christmas trees for family. He also enjoyed making peanut brittle to
give away using Roy Johns recipe.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, his brothers Lester and wife
Eunice, Virgil and wife Mabel, Merlin and wife Dorothy, and Verle. His
sister Lois Curtis and husband Homer, a sister-in-law Betty Jo Hinderliter;
and a stillborn son Jimmy Lee. Leonard is survived by: his wife Anna Lee,
one son Robert Merlin & wife Sharon of Burleson, Texas, daughter Annette
Yvonne Castell & husband Lee of Tucson, Arizona, daughter Joy Laverne
Struebing & husband Clark of Woodward, one brother Lloyd William Hinderliter
and wife Maxine, a sister-in-law Jackie Hinderliter; 9 grandchildren, 21
great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces and
nephews.
In lieu of flowers and donations, the family requests memorials be made to
Bruce Family Ministries International (niece & nephew of Leonard). The
funeral home will be accepting these contributions on behalf of the family.
Remembrances may be shared on-line at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com
